Some people dream of becoming a wildland firefighter. Attacking such a wild beast can be adventurous, dangerous and exciting all at the same time. Pursuing this dream means spending summers fighting flames in the air and on the ground, getting on and off logging trucks, and getting covered in black soot. Since this job is the career choice for daring people, it is important to know that anyone who chooses this job as their profession must be physically fit to perform the tasks that this job demands.
General description
A wildland firefighter must be physically and mentally fit to do the job. There are various levels of firefighters both in the state and in regional areas. All levels require adequate training in firefighting and personal safety. Some potential workers may need to receive truck driving instruction if they are going to drive trucks and use other types of equipment. There are several levels of training made up of both practical and academic courses. Although this job choice is often popular during the summer, when most fires occur, it is possible to become a full-time or seasonal wildland firefighter.
Training and Testing
Becoming a qualified wildland firefighter requires taking at least four of the basic courses structured by federal agencies under the National Wildland Fire Coordination Group. Core standardized courses include the following:
- I-100 Incident Command System Guide
- S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Training
- S-130 Fire Fighting Training
- FI-110 Observations of forest fires and protection of the scene of origin for first responders.
These core courses must be taken at the same time. Upon completion of this curriculum, tests known as the “packet test” must be taken and passed to qualify under the standards of most state agencies.
A ‘package test’ is layman’s terminology for a workability test. It is a physical examination conducted by the United States Forest Service on people who want to become wildland firefighters. This type of test is administered to measure an individual’s ability to respond to long periods of physically demanding activities. Due to the strenuous physical exertion required for this test, applicants must complete a health screening questionnaire and must then be approved by a human resources officer to be qualified for the exam. The three levels of a ‘trial package’ include the following:
- Hard Packet Test – To pass this, the trainee must carry a 45-pound backpack and complete a three-mile hike in less than 45 minutes.
- moderate field trial-With a 25-pound backpack, the trainee must walk two miles in less than 30 minutes to pass.
- light walk test– As the name suggests, to pass this, the student must walk a mile in less than 16 minutes without a backpack.
There is a wide range of other courses and training programs related to fighting llamas in the woods that will help anyone interested to obtain a full-time position in this field. There is also other specialized instruction offered to those seeking careers in this challenging and demanding field by interagency departments, in aviation and other areas by highly competitive training schools.
Forest firefighting employment
A list of job opportunities is posted on the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website that anyone can visit and review. If a position on the list seems interesting, an application can be made through the contact information indicated on the OPM site or an application can be made through any state employment office.
State employment offices generally begin accepting applications during February, but you will typically receive notification of open positions in a given area from the Forest Service in March or April. Although notification of these positions varies from area to area, it is best to contact your nearest local Forest Service office to inquire about job openings in your area.
Lastly, taking on a demanding seasonal or permanent job like this requires strength and determination, so anyone interested in this type of position should be both physically and mentally fit to be ready for any kind of outdoor challenge. that can be found. If an occupation in this field has been a lifelong dream, and all the requirements have been met, now is the time to head to your nearest local Forest Service to find a career in this demanding and challenging industry!